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Around the AFC North: Todd Monken Fires Back at Mike Tomlin After Browns’ First Win

Play caller Mike McCarthy takes the blame as Aaron Rodgers weighs in on Steelers’ offensive woes. The Bengals’ defense made a statement as they moved into first place in the AFC North.

Published: Monday, 21 September 2026 at 4:31 PM
Around the AFC North: Todd Monken Fires Back at Mike Tomlin After Browns’ First Win
Key Things to Know
  • Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken fired back at analyst Mike Tomlin after a 23-19 win over Tampa Bay.
  • Deshaun Watson threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns to secure his first victory since 2024.
  • Monken declined to name either Watson or Shedeur Sanders as the starting quarterback for Week 3.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken responded emotionally to criticism from former Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin following the Browns' 23-19 road victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tomlin, now an NBC analyst, had criticized Cleveland after their Week 1 loss. Monken stated that his team took Tomlin's comments to heart, while Tomlin responded that he was glad he could still motivate players despite no longer coaching.

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson threw for 238 yards and two touchdowns in the win, though Monken declined to name a Week 3 starter between Watson and Shedeur Sanders. Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell 20-3 to the New England Patriots, prompting head coach Mike McCarthy to take blame for the offensive struggles and quarterback Aaron Rodgers to suggest he will provide more input on play-calling.

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